Nikki A.

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January 26, 2010

Greetings all! I haven't updated in a while, but I am doing well. The journey continues for me. It will soon be 2 years since I've had the surgery. It has been a tremendous blessing, but I do have a ways to go.

I thank God for allowing me to have this tool to help get me to a healthy weight. I feel so much better. My back no longer aches, my knees and ankles don't hurt anymore, and I can play with my 5 year old.

I still struggle at times to get all of my water in each day, and I have to really track my protein, and focus on taking my supplements daily. Also, exercise is something that I continually make a committment to do for myself. I put myself on the back burner for so many years, that I have not become a bit selfish when it comes to taking care of me.

I must say that there have been low moments where I have gotten frustrated about how slowly the weight has started to come off. However, as long as I am exercising and making wise food choices, the scale does eventually move and the inches melt away.

I've learned that the journey continues after the surgery. This is a lifestyle change. The surgery gives you the boost to make the change, but the long lasting changes must be a conscious choice that we must make daily.

I have never regretted having Gastric Bypass surgery once. It is the greatest gift that God has afforded me to have. If I had not had the surgery, I'd be well over 400 lbs by now. Are all of my food issues gone? No! I still have to make decisions not to eat due to emotions. I still have to do my best to stay away from cheetos. However, I am determined to never gain the weight back, so I am doing what I must do to stay healthy and live my best life.

My confidence level is higher than I ever remember it being. I am singing more, doing gigs, performing in plays, and doing what I love to do. I no longer feel like I am living under a rock. I'm so grateful that my heart overflows with gratitude.

God is good!

July 17, 2009

I have been awful about updating my blog. However, I am now 15 months out. This journey has been amazing and it continues to be a learning experience. I'm learning who I am without all of the layers of fat to protect me. I am learning how to deal with getting attention from various people regarding the weight loss as well as from men. It still makes me a bit uncomfortable, but I am embracing this change and learning to love the new me.

My workouts are now more consistent. I must admit I wasn't very good at sticking to a routine. I now see that it is very important and I'm focusing on that. My protein intake has gotten better, but this is something that I continue to work on daily. Also, taking my supplements is something that I am working on daily to stay with a routine.

There have been bumps in the road, but I am not giving up. I do get cravings when I'm going through hormonal issues and I just want to eat twizzlers, but I am even working on finding a better alternative. The bottom line is, I am not perfect. However, I know that this RNY is a gift from God and I don't want to take it lightly and regain all of the weight that I lost.

My focus is changing my entire lifestyle. It is a work in progress. My next goal is to be in onederland. Exercise will help me to get there.

Many Blessings to all of you on this journey.

Nikki

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Greetings all!

I just wanted to update that I am 9 months out and down 105.5 lbs. I am also finally happy to report that I am officially an active person now. I work out 5 days per week and I am doing weightlifting, toning, and cardio. It took me a while to stop making excuses, but I am here and I love how it feels to be active. It has helped me feel better about myself and the stall has been broken. The scale is moving again. If I could give any advice to someone who is thinking of having the surgery or who has had the surgery, it would be to work out as soon as you can. Don't make excuses like I did. It will benefit you to make this a habit as early as you can.

Best wishes to all of you out there. We're in this thing together. One day at a time, one meal at a time, one supplement at a time, one work out at a time....

Love,

Nikki

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I am 8 months out and down 102 pounds. I will post new pics soon. I am so grateful for all that God has done for me. I'm in awe when I think of how I had the surgery, had no complications, and I'm continuing to lose the weight. I'm working on making good choices of what I eat daily, and I am working on making a better committment to taking my supplements daily. Most importantly, I am really working on getting exercise to be a part of my daily routine. I still haven't made that a priority and I know that exercise MUST be a part of my routine. I am really going to resolve that I owe it to myself to be more active.

This is an awesome journey. I went from weighing 337 pounds to 235 pounds. I went from a tight size 30/32 to a size 18. I can run up and down my steps easily. I can chase my son around the house and play with him. I can wear high heels and not wobble in them. I can put on pantyhose and tights with ease. I can walk without pain in my lower back and knees. I can walk with my head up and not hang it in shame because I am so ashamed of how I look. I have a waist and I can see my collar bones. So many blessings....

Since I cannot eat anymore to deal with feelings, I've had to deal with issues that come my way. I am more vocal on things and don't just let things fester. I'm journaling my thoughts and I'm grateful that food is no longer my coping mechanism. I must note that this is a work in progress. After livinig a lifetime using food to cope, surgery doesn't magically make that go away.  Losing weight is a blessing, but it does not mean that your life will be perfect. If you have issues with credit as an obese person, you will have issues as a small person until you pay the bills off. If your relationship is strained as an obese person, it will be strained when you lose weight unless the issues are discussed and dealt with. Poor self image and self esteem issues do not all go away with every pound you lose. It takes a minute for the mind to catch up with the body.

I am enjoying the journey and I am grateful for all things.I will post pics soon.

Love,

Nikki

Hello All.

Well, I am now 6 months out. I feel great. I am still working on getting my exercise routine to be at least 5 times per week. I am not going to give up. I am going to keep pushing myself.

I'm down 90 pounds and I still can't believe it. Last night I was putting on my pajamas and saw my collar bone. I had to look twice, because I don't think I've ever seen my own collar bone. It was a "wow" moment for sure.

God is so good and I just thank him for the opportunity to have the surgery. It has been life changing for me. I am learning how to deal with my feelings as opposed to eating a box of twinkies or a whole box of fruity pebbles cereal. It is a process, but I am getting there.

I am looking forward to what the next 6 months will be like. I now can tolerate a wider variety of foods, but I am still making conscious efforts to make the right choices.

Until later, everyone be encouraged.

Love, Nikki

September 18, 2008

Greetings All! God is good. I turned 36 on September 12th and it was a wonderful day. My hubby pampered me and we spent the entire day together. I'm doing very well and I'm able to tolerate different foods that I couldn't earlier. I still stay away from high sugar foods, because I don't want to run the risk of dumping. I do need to do better with my supplements and drinking more water. My hubby bought me a DVD player for my B-Day, so the exercise excuses must go out the door. I have so many exercise DVDs that I need to start using. I'm making a firm commitment to give myself a minimum of 30 minutes per day. I do so much giving at my job, home, church, etc...as we all do as women. I need to give to myself.

I'm singing more and now have the confidence to do it. I have a performance at Seldom Blues Restaurant in Detroit coming up, and I sent in audition tapes. I would have not done that prior to the surgery, as at 337 pounds, I could barely stand up for 15 minutes without being in pain. Also, I felt so horrible about myself that it would have come out when I sang.

I'm so grateful to be on the right track. I feel wonderful! I still have to wrap my head around how my body is changing, as I still want to reach for the size 26 and 24's, when I can wear 18/20 tops now. Are you serious? I am still trying to grasp it all.

Until later....pray for me as I do the same for you all.

Love,

Nikki

August 10, 2008

I've been horrible about updating, but here I am. I am down 71 pounds and it will be 4 months out for me as of 8/14. I'm feeling better, except for fatigue every now and then. My back and knees don't hurt anymore, and I am feeling better about myself.  I am able to tolerate more foods and eat a tad bit more. I am able to take vitamins that are not chewable, which is major for me. The chewables were making me sick. I still can't tolerate protein shakes, but I try to get at least 70 grams in a day. It is a daily goal that I work at continuously.

My hair is shedding, but for now it isn't very noticable. I have thick hair, so that helps. However, I will more than likely go ahead and get it cut. I think I'll do that when I'm down 100lbs, which is only 29 lbs away. Are you kidding me? I've never lost more than 60 lobs in my whole life, so I've already surpassed that. It is amazing, and I thank God for allowing me to get RNY, as I would be 370 lbs by now if I hadn't have gotten it.

I notice that I clean the house more and read more. I am finding things to do to fill the time besides eating. I'm enjoying it, and I am spending more time in prayer and meditation with the Lord. God is an awesome wonder!

Exercise? Well, I need to step this up a lot. I'm dusting off my bike and I will strt riding it and then walking. I don't know why the motivation was lacking. I can't make any excuses. I just need to go out there and move it.

I've gone from a size 30/32 to a 18/20 top and 22/24 bottom. I'm excited about all that is happening. It has been a ride with ups and downs, but it is wonderful to not feel like food is controlling my every waking moment. That storm is over. My new challenge is to use this tool to get the weight off and develop new habits. With God's help, I will do it.

Until next time, be blessed and keep the faith.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Hello family! I finally got my pre-op and post-op pics uploaded. It does help to see the pics. It seems that I can tend to get a bit impatient with how the weight is coming off. However, I know that this is a journey and not a race. The weight will come off. Now I have to resolve the fact that I need to start exerciing on a regular basis and make it a part of my lifestyle. I also have to keep working on getting in all of my protein and water every day. I also have to take my time when I'm eating and chew more slowly. It is a learning process.

I'm glad that I had the surgery and I know that each day it will continue to get better. I'm grateful everyday that I was blessed to be able to have this new beginning.

Until later, God Bless all of you and keep the faith!

Nikki

Greetings all!
Well, it has been a month since my surgery and I'm down 30 pounds. It has been a learning experience and I am continuing to learn how to eat, what my pouch will tolerate, and still struggling to get all of my protein in daily. Through it all, I do not regret having the surgery. I know that it was a matter of life and death and I had to take a drastic measure to get control of my life. I'm back to work now and I do get tired, but I am feeling better everyday. I know that once I'm able to get in all of my protein, it will give me more energy.
I will post pics soon, once my hubby helps me out with the digital camera. 

Blessings to all.

Nikki

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Hello OH Family! Praise God, I made it through the surgery and I am home. I actually had surgery on Monday, 4/14 and went home on Tuesday night, 4/15. I am doing better today. Each day it does get a little better. I have had really bad gas pains, but the more I move and walk, the better that gets. Also, the gas-x really helps. The challenge for me has also been getting a good nights sleep. I don't have a recliner, so my flat bed has not been kind to me. 
Okay, on surgery day.....we got to the hospital and after I signed in, they pretty much got me back to the pre-op prep area right away. They made me pee in a cup to do a pregnancy test. After that, I changed into the lovely hospital robe and they started the IV. I had a great nurse and she actually made it not so bad. (I'm a needle wimp) After that, my mother and godmom came to wish me well and I started crying out of the blue. I guess it was the nerves starting to get to me. However, when my husband came in, he was able to calm me down, make me laugh, and I felt more at ease. I stayed in the pre-op waiting area about an hour, because they were running a bit behind in the OR and I had to wait my turn. My surgeon, Dr. Kole, was great and he came and talked to me and my hubby. I felt a calmness over myself, and I knew that I'd picked the right surgeon and that I was in good hands. I also had a lot of people praying for me, so I knew that I was covered. Well, I only remember the anesthesiologist telling me that he was giving me something to make me a little relaxed. That is all that I remember. When I woke up, they were wrapping a binder around me and telling me that I did great. The first thing that came to my mind was, thank you Jesus for allowing me to make it through with no complications. I was in some discomfort, but it was bearable. It took them a few minutes to get my medicine pump for me to push hooked up, but once they did that, I just pushed it when I needed it and I slept a lot. I did get some ice chips periodically. My hubby came and kissed me and my mom ang godmom did as well. I was on a regular floor and all was well. They took the cathedar out on Tuesday morning and it was painful getting in and out of the bed to pee. My stomach muscles are very sore...ouchie! However, that is to be expected, so I am trying not to be a crybaby about it.  I am getting acquainted with my new pouch. "Pouchie" has already let me know that he only likes teenie, tiny sips at a time. If not, he growls and roars at me. LOL I'm sipping on protein shakes made with water, chicken broth, crystal lite, water, and sugar free popsicles. My mom is a nurse, and it has been such a blessing to have her around. She and my dad are keeping my 3 yr old son for me and she is just my private duty nurse. My hubby works and is a student, but when he gets home, he takes care of me too. It is a blessing to have so much support. I am so blessed through it all. I am sore, my back aches a bit, but you know....I will keep the complaints down to a minimum. God has blessed my dream to become a reality and guess what????? I am officially on the LOSER'S BENCH!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and wished me well. Heaven was flooded with prayers and well wishes on my behalf and I am grateful.